Diaper launderette



June 16, 1964 Filed July 11, 1962 E. M. PARSONS DIAPER LAUNDERETTE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ELEAN NVENTOR.

M. PARSONS ATTORNEY June 16, 1964 E. M. PARSONS DIAPER LAUNDERETTE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 11, 1962 INVENTOR. ELEANOR. M. PARSONS ATT ORNEY United States Patent 3,137,153 DIAPER LAUNDERETIE Eleanor M. Parsons, 9217 W. 9th St., Wichita, Kans. Filed July 11, 1962, Ser. No. 209,186 Claims. (Cl. 68--12) This invention relates generally to washing fabrics. In a more specific aspect this invention relates to a washing apparatus. In a still more specific aspect this invention relates to small washing apparatus capable of Washing and rinsing diapers and and other soiled fabrics and is especially adapted to be mounted as a semi-permanent installation in a bathroom of a house, apartment, hotel or motel. The apparatus is adapted to use existing plumbing facilities and to discharge spent washing fluid into the conventional toilet bowl found in every bathroom.

It is a common practice in the home to accumulate over a period of time a suitable quantity of wet or dirty diapers or other soiled fabric articles to warrant the use of a conventional sized washing machine. In such a practice, the accumulation of a full washer load of diapers or other soiled fabrics may extend over quite a long period of time. The accumulated diapers or soiled fabrics often create an unpleasant odor, especially in the summertime. Further, the diapers and soiled fabrics provide a breeding place for germs and may also mildew. Furthermore, there is at least a dual handling of the diapers involved, that is, from the babys body to the storage receptacle and then from the latter to the washing machine. And in addition, the storage receptacle takes up vital space, becomes dirty, odorous and must be frequently cleaned. Also, persons such as businessmen, travelers, etc., find it desirable on most occasions to do laundry in their rooms, for one thing, cutting down on the wearing apparel necessary. Small washing machines adapted to wash and rinse small quantities of diapers or other soiled articles thus eliminating the need for a large accumulation as a practical economic measure are known in the art. However, the known washing apparatus suffers from a number of shortcomings and have not solved the accumulation problem. The known washers are often cumbersome and heavy. They must be moved into a position over the toilet bowl before they can be used. Moving the washers into position is a hard and strenuous task. Further, the positioning of the washer over the toilet bowl precludes the use of the bowl while the washer is in operation. The washers known to the prior art do not provide a complete and thorough washing and rinsing cycle, that completely cleans the diapers or fabrics being washed. The known washers only partially clean the clothes or diapers thus requiring that they be subjected to further Washing in a conventional Washing machine to restore the diapers or fabrics to a usable condition. The existing washers are not adapted to be semiperrnanently mounted on the wall or in a suitable out-of-the-way position in a standard bathroom. Every time the washer known to the prior art is to be used, it must be removed from the place of storage, set up in its operative position, put into operation and then dismantled after the washing cycle is completed. This, of course, presents additional labor and waste of time to an ordinarily busy housewife.

I have by a simple though effective mounting arrangement of a washing apparatus provided with a new and novel mechanical arrangement overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the washing apparatus known to the prior art. The structure of my invention is simple, efiicient, and effective and has proved reliable in use giving no trouble or mechanical difficulty over long periods of use.

My invention for washing fabrics has a tub means adapted to receive washing liquid and a means to dis- 3,137,153 Patented June 16, 1964 charge the spent washing liquid. A container means mounted for movement in the tub means is provided which is adapted to receive the fabrics to be washed. Within the container means is mounted a plunger means. The plunger means is mounted for movement. The plunger has a portion normally positioned in the lower portion of the container means to support fabrics thereon during the washing operation. A means to drive the container means and the plunger means is provided. The apparatus is adapted to receive Wash liquids and fabrics in the container, supporting the fabrics on the plunger. The fabrics are washed by moving the plunger relative to the container and washing liquid. The wash liquids are removed from the fabrics by moving the container means with the fabrics therein, with the principal portion of wash liquid discharged from said tub means.

My new apparatus for washing fabrics overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of the washers of the prior art. My washing apparatus is adapted to completely and efficiently wash, rinse and spin dry small accumulations of soiled fabrics or diapers. The washing of very small loads, even as small as a single diaper, is a practical expedient. This virtually eliminates the practice of accumulating soiled fabrics over a long period of time in order to build up a full conventional washer load. Elimination of the accumulation eliminates the aforementioned attendant disadvantages, and also enables the housewife to make more eflicient use of the clothing or diapers in use. For example, less diapers are required if the soiled ones can be put back into use sooner. Unlike the washing apparatus known to the prior art, my apparatus is adapted to be-mounted in a permanent position on the bathroom wall. This mounting arrangement precludes the strenuous and tedious task of setting up the washing apparatus every time it is to be put into use, and yet permits the use of existing plumbing facilities without expensive permanent type modifications. The mounting further permits full use of the bathroom facilities at all times even when the machine is in operation. My apparatus for washing fabrics does a thorough and complete washing and rinsing and spin drying cycle. The articles washed do not have to be subjected to a subsequent washing operation in a conventional Washing machine involving additional handling before being put into use. My apparatus is provided with novel drive mechanism which is eificient, easy to service and maintain, simple to operate, and dependable in service.

It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved washing means.

It is another object of this invention to provide a washing means that will eliminate the problem of accumulation of soiled fabrics.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an apparatus for washing fabrics that is simple, efficient, easy to maintain and dependable in operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for washing fabrics that is adapted to be permanently mounted on the average bathroom wall and to be easily and simply connected to the existing plumbing facilities.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for washing fabrics that is easy to operate and does not necessitate tedious preliminary setting up operations.

It is another object of this invention to provide a washing apparatus that performs a complete washing, rinsing and drying cycle.

Other objects and advantages of the new and novel apparatus for washing fabrics of my invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

Drawings accompany and are part of this disclosure.

These drawings depict preferred specific embodiments of the new apparatus of my invention for washing fabrics, and it is to be understood that such drawings are not to unduly limit the scope of my invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet bowl and showing a preferred specific embodiment of the washing apparatus of my invention, mounted and connected for operation to the toilet bowl.

FIG. 2 shows a suitable control means for actuating the various components of the washing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a vertical section View taken on line 33 of FIG. 6 of the nozzle used to spray washing fluid into the washing chamber of the washing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view taken on line 44 of FIG. 6 showing the mounting bracket and gear housing of the washing apparatus.

. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 1 showing the flexible plastic drain conduit operatively attached over the rim of the toilet bowl.

FIG. 6 is a front sectional view taken on line 66 of FIG. 1 which illustrates the working components of the washing apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view taken on lines 77 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 3-8 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 ha top view of the basket with the plunger element removed. a

Following is a discussion and description of the new washing apparatus structure of my invention, made with reference to the drawings, whereon, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/ or structure on the various view of the drawings. The discussion and description are of preferred specific embodiments of the new washing apparatus structure of my invention, and it is to be understood that such is not to unduly limit the scope of my invention.

Referring now to the drawings FIGS. 1-9 and to FIG. 6 in particular, a preferred specific embodiment of the washing apparatus of my invention for mounting in close proximity to a water closet and adapted to discharge spent liquid into a bowl thereof is shown. The washing apparatus hereinafter referred to as a launderette, has an upright cylindrical tub 10 adapted to be partially filled with washing liquid. The tub 10 is provided with a bottom 11 that is sloped to a discharge outlet 12. Tub 10 is wide open to receive materials to be washed. A removable top cover 14 having a handle is provided to close the top of the tub. A cylindrical perforated basket 15 is positioned within the tub. At the bottom and in the center of the tub is provided a bearing 16. A shaft 18 that is vertically disposed extends through the bearing 16 and is supported by it. The shaft 18 is hollow having a small bore 20 at the bottom end and a larger bore 21 at the top end. Shaft 18 is rigidly attached to the bottom of basket 15and extends downwardly therefrom. The whole unit consisting of basket 15, and shaft 18 are thus rotatably mounted in the tub. A bevel gear 22 is rigidly mounted on the lower end of the shaft 18. A perforated disk 24 is disposed within basket 15. A rod 23 is rigidly attached to the perforated disk 24. The rod 23 extends downwardly from the disk 24 through the bottom of said basket and through the first shaft 18 in slideable relationship to the small bore 20. Rod 23 is provided with a flat end surface 48 which is disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the rod. On rod 23 intermediate the ends is provided an abutment means 25. A helical spring 29 is disposed about rod 23 abutting with its opposite ends of the abutment means 25 and the bottom of basket 15. A housing 26 is attached to the bottom of the tub and encloses the motor and driving means of the launderette. Within housing 26 is disposed a horizontally disposed shaft 27. Shaft 27 is rotatably supported at its ends by a bearing means mounted in housing 26. Shaft 27 is supported by the bearing means so that it is rotatable and slideable longitudinally. The axis of shaft 27 is positioned in the housmg in such a manner that its axis intersects the axis of vertically disposed rod 23. The bearing means previously mentioned includes a first bearing member 28 mounted on the housing and engaging a first end of shaft 27. A second bearing 30 engages and supports the opposite end of shaft 27. In order to support bearing 30 there is provided a support means adapted to be readily removed, which includes an elongated member 31, shown more clearly in FIG. 4, which spans the width of said housing 26. Two U-shaped clamp elements 32, shown more clearly in cross section in FIG. 7, are mounted on opposite sides of housing 26 and are adapted to engage the ends of elongated member 31. Aligned apertures 33 and 34 are provided in the legs of the U-shaped elements 32. These apertures in the U-shaped elements are of dissimilar size and opposed to each other. In order to lock the elongated member in the U-shaped elements 32, there is provided elongated tapered locking elements 35 that are adapted to be inserted through the aligned apertures 33 and 34. Insertion of the locking elements 35 will releasably lock the ends of the elongated member 31 into position within the housing. Referring to the drive mechanism of the launderette, there is provided a second bevel gear 36 rigidly mounted on-shaft 27 that is adapted to engage bevelgear 22. A third bevel gear 37 is also rigidly mounted on the shaft 27 in spaced relation to bevel gear 36. A relatively thick spur gear 38 is rigidly mounted on shaft 27. A helical spring 39 is mounted around shaft 27 and is adapted to urge it longitudinally toward rod 23. Disposed within housing 26 for selectively shifting shaft 27 longitudinally is provided a solenoid means 40 to shift shaft 27 into either a first position or a second position by either overcoming the force exerted by the helical spring 39 or passively allowing the spring to force the shaft longitudinally. Within the housing is also provided a motor 43 having ashaft 44. A spur gear 45 is mounted on shaft 44 and arranged so that spur gear 45 will operatively engage spur gear 38 when the shaft 27 is in either the first or second aforementioned positions. Relatively thick spur gear 38 will engage gear 45 even though shaft 27 is moved longitudinally. Movement of shaft 27 only shifts the relative positions of the gears 38 and 45 so that gear 45 contacts gear 38 at difierent spaced points on gear 38. There is provided a third shaft 46 horizontally disposed and positioned parallel to shaft 27. Shaft 46 is rotatably mounted in the housing and positioned so that its axis also intersects the axis of shaft 23. On shaft 46 is mounted an eccentric cam 47 that is positioned to operatively engage the flat end surface 48 of rod 23. Also, on rod 46*is provided a bevel gear 50 adapted to engage gear 37. On the top of the tub there is provided a water inlet line 51 having a valve to control the flow. A spray nozzle 52, shown in cross section in FIG. 3, is connected to the inlet water line 51. A means 65, not illustrated in detail, is provided to activate the inlet valve. The means to activate the inlet valve may consist of any conventional activation means. I have found that a common solenoid is preferable. In the discharge outlet 12 positioned at the bottom of the tub is provided a gate valve 61. A helical spring 62, shown in FIG. 6, is associated with gate valve 61 for urging the gate valve 61 to a closed position. A solenoid 53 is used to actuate the gate valve and overcome the force exerted by helical spring 62. A flexible conduit 54 of plastic material is removably attached to one end portion of discharge opening outlet 12 and is formed at the other end portion to engageably fit over the rim of the bowl of a water closet beneath the seat thereof. The engagement of the flexible conduit and the rim of the toilet bowl is shown in FIG. 5. A control means which would preferably include a common timer means is associated with the solenoid 40, solenoid 53 and the means to actuate the inlet valve to control the washing cycle of the launderette. The control means correlates the various elements of the launderette to enable it to perform any desirable and suitable washing cycle. The timer or equivalent means associated with the control means activates the inlet valve actuation means to introduce washing liquid into the tub for a predetermined time. The timer means deactivates solenoid 40 to longitudinally shift shaft 27 from a driving relationship between the bevel gears 50 and 37 to a driving relationship between bevel gears 36 and 22, thus stopping the plunger action of the perforated disk 24 and setting into operation the rotary action of the perforated basket 15. Actuation of the solenoid 53 by the timer means 55 operates to drain the spent Washing liquid from the tub. The Whole launderette assembly including the housing and the tub is supported by a support bracket 56 attached to housing 26. Support bracket 56 is adapted to mount the launderette on any suitable vertical surface that is in close proximity to a water closet.

The timer means can be modified to permit the launderette to operate on any suitable washing cycle. The various types of washing cycles are well known in the art and do not constitute part of my invention. For purposes of illustration, a suitable washing cycle might occur as follows: The control mechanism upon being turned on maintains solenoid 53 in an inactivated state thereby allowing gate valve 61 to remain closed. Whereupon the actuation means controlling inlet valve would cause the inlet valve to open allowing washing liquid to enter the tub. After a predetermined period of time the level of fluid in the tub would approach the desired level. The control means would then close the inlet valve and actuate solenoid 4t) overcoming spring 39 to shift shaft 27 longitudinally toward the left. This would engage bevel gears 37 and 50 providing a power train from motor 43 to plunger disk 24. The control means would then turn on motor 43 which would reciprocate the plunger 24 through the gear train described, thus initiating the washing phase of the cycle. After a predetermined period of time, the motor might be shut off and the gate valve 61 opened allowing the washing fluid to drain from the tub. After the liquid has drained, the valve 61 would be closed and the inlet valve opened thus adding more fluid for the rinsing phase of the washing operation. When the washing fluid in the tub reaches the proper level, the motor could again be actuated and the plunger reciprocated. After a predetermined time the fluid could be discharged by opening valve 61. The rinsing phase would be repeated as often as desired. After the last rinsing phase, solenoid 40 could be deactivated allowing shaft 27 to shift longitudinally to the right allowing bevel gears 36 and 22 to engage each other. This engagement would apply the power from the motor to the basket means. The timer would then actuate the motor which would spin the basket at a high rate of speed to throw the water in the fabrics or diapers disposed in the basket outwardly due to centrifugal force. At the end of a predetermined time, the control means would deactivate the motor, thus completing the cycle.

As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications of the launderette structure disclosed herein can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure or the scope of the claims.

1. A diaper launderette for mounting in close proxlmity to a water closet and adapted to discharge spent wash liquid into the bowl thereof comprising, an upright cylindrical tub having a bottom sloped to a liquid discharge outlet, a cylindrical perforated basket within said tub, a first shaft, said shaft being hollow and having a small bore at the bottom end and a larger bore at the top end and rigidly attached to the bottom of said basket and extending downwardly therefrom, a first bevel gear mounted on the lower end of said first shaft, a perforated disk within said basket, a rod rigidly attached to said perforated disk and extending downwardly therefrom, through the bottom of said basket and through said first shaft in slideable relationship to said bottom small bore, an abutment means on said rod, a helical spring disposed about said rod abutting with its opposite ends said abutment means and the bottom of said basket, ahousing attached to the bottom of said tub, a second shaft, bearing means mounted in said housing and slideably and rotatably supporting said second shaft below said tub with the axis of said second shaft intersecting the axis of said first shaft, said bearing means including a first bearing member mounted on said housing engaging a first end of said second shaft, 2. second bearing member engaging a second end of said second shaft, a support means for said second bearing member mounted in said housing, said support means including an elongated member spanning the width of said housing and having said second bearing mounted thereon, U-shaped clamp elements mounted on opposite sides of said housing adapted to engage the ends of said elongated member, aligned apertures in the legs of said U-shaped element, elongated tapered locking elements adapted to be inserted through the aligned apertures of the U-shaped elements to releasably lock the ends of said elongated member into position within said housing, a second bevel gear mounted on said second shaft adapted to engage said first bevel gear, a third bevel gear mounted on said second shaft in spaced longitudinal relation to said second bevel gear, a first relatively thick spur gear on said second shaft, a helical spring mounted around said second shaft and adapted to urge said second shaft longitudinally into a first position toward said first shaft, a first solenoid means mounted in said housing for selectively shifting said second shaft longitudinally into a second position and overcoming the force exerted by said lastnamed helical spring, a motor having a shaft mounted in said housing, a second spur gear mounted on said motor shaft and arranged so that said second spur gear will operatively engage said first relatively thick spur gear when said second shaft is in either of said first or second positions, a third shaft positioned parallel to said second shaft, an eccentric cam mounted on said third shaft positioned to operatively engage said rod, a fourth bevel gear on said third shaft adapted to selectively engage said third bevel gear, a valved water inlet line in the top of said tub, means to activate said inlet valve, a gate valve in said discharge outlet in the bottom of said tub, a helical spring associated with said gate valve urging said gate valve to a closed position, a second solenoid to activate said gate valve and overcome the force exerted by said last-mentioned helical spring, a flexible conduit of plastic material attached to said discharge outlet, control means including a timer operatively associated with said first and second solenoids and said means to activate said inlet valve to introduce washing liquid into the tub for a predetermined time by activating said inlet valve, activating the first solenoid to longitudinally shift said second shaft from a driving relationship between the third and fourth bevel gears to a driving relationship between the first and second bevel gears thus stopping the plunger action of the perforated disk and setting into operation the rotary action of the perforated basket, and activating the third solenoid to drain the spent washing liquid from the tub, a support bracket attached to said housing and having means therewith to mount said housing and tub on a vertical surface in close proximity to a water closet.

2.- A diaper launderette for mounting in close proximity to a water closet and adapted to discharge spent wash liquid into the bowl thereof comprising, an upright tub having a liquid discharge outlet, a basket within said tub, a first shaft being hollow and rotatably mounted in the bottom of said tub and rigidly joined to the bottom of said basket, a first bevel gear mounted on the lower end of said first shaft, a disk within said basket, a rod rigidly joined to said disk and extending downwardly therefrom through the bottom of said basket and through said first shaft in slideable relation thereof, said rod provided with a bearing surface at its lower end, an abutment means on said rod, a spring means on said rod abutting said abutment means and urging said rod longitudinally, a housing attached to the bottom of said tub, second shaft horizontally disposed, bearing means mounted in said housing for slideably and rotatably supporting said second shaft, a second bevel gear mounted on said second shaft adapted to engage said first bevel gear, a third bevel gear mounted on said second shaft, a first relatively thick gear on said second shaft, a spring means adapted to urge said second shaft in a longitudinal direction, a first means for selectively shifting said second shaft longitudinally into an operative position and overcoming the force exerted by said lastmentioned spring means, a motor having a shaft mounted in said housing, a second gear mounted on said motor shaft and arranged to operatively engage said first relatively thick gear, a third shaft positioned parallel to said second shaft, a cam means mounted on said third shaft positioned to operatively engage said bearing surface on the end of said rod, a fourth bevel gear on said third shaft adapted to selectively engage said third bevel gear, a valved water inlet line in the top of said tub, means to activate the inlet valve, a gate valve in said discharge outlet, a spring means urging said gate valve to a predetermined position, a means for activating said gate means, a flexible conduit at tached at one end to said discharge outlet, an opposite end on said flexible conduit adapted to engageably fit over an edge of a water closet, a control means for selectively operating said means to activate the inlet valve, said means for shifting the second shaft, and said means for activating the gate valve in a predetermined sequence.

3. A launderette comprising, tub means adapted to receive washing liquid, basket means mounted for rotary movement within said tub means, vertically reciprocal plunger means mounted on and within said basket means, said plunger means covering substantially the entire bottom of said basket means, first driving means for rotating said basket means, said first driving means having a hollow first shaft vertically disposed and joined to the bottom of said basket means and rotatably supported by said tub means, and a first gear fixed to the bottom of said first shaft, second driving means for reciprocating said plunger means,'said second driving means having a vertically disposed rod joined to said plunger means and slidably supported by and within said hollow first shaft, a third horizontally disposed shaft, and an eccentric cam means and a third gear mounted on said third shaft, motor means, transmission means adapted to selectively transmit the energy of said motor means to either of said first drive means or said second drive means, said transmission means having a second shaft slidably mounted to assume a first or a second position, a gear on said second shaft adapted to selectively engage said first gear on said first shaft in a first position of said second shaft, a second gear on said second shaft adapted to selectively engage the third gear mounted on said third shaft in a second position of said second shaft, and a drive means operatively connecting said second shaft to said motor means in both first and second positions of said second shaft, a housing means for enclosing said first and second drive means and said transmission means, outlet means for washing liquid for said tub, inlet means for washing liquid for said tub, and control means to regulate the operation of said outlet means, said inlet means, and said transmission means in a predetermined sequence.

4. The structure of claim 3 wherein a spring means is positioned about said vertically disposed rod, a first abutment means on said rod, a second abutment means on said basket means, said spring means engaging said first and second abutment means to effectively urge the rod downwardly relative to said basket means.

5. A launderette comprising, tub means adapted to receive washing liquid, basket means mounted for rotary movement Within said tub means, vertically reciprocable plunger means mounted within said basket means, said plunger means covering a major portion of the bottom of said basket means, first driving means for rotating said basket means, said first driving means having hollow first shaft means vertically disposed and joined to the lower portion of said basket means and rotatably mounted, first power transmission means mounted on said shaft in a lower portion thereof, second driving means for reciprocating said plunger means, said second driving means having vertically disposed shaft means joined to said plunger means and mounted for reciprocalrmovement within said hollow first shaft, third shaft means horizontally disposed and eccentric means and third power transmission means mounted on said third shaft means, power means, transmission means operatively connected to said power means and operatively connectible to said first and second drive means to selectively transmit the energy of said power means to either of said first drive means or said second drive means, said transmission means connected to said power means having shaft means mounted to assume a first or a second position, power transmission means on said shaft means of said transmission means connected to said power means adapted to selectively engage said first power transmission means on said first shaft means in a first position of said shaft means of said transmission means connected to said power means, second power transmission means on said shaft means of said transmission means connected to said power means adapted to selectively engage said third power transmission means on said third shaft means in a second position of said shaft means of said transmission means connected to said power means, and a drive means operatively connecting said shaft means of said last-named transmission means to said power means in both first and second positions of same, outlet means for washing liquid for said tub, inlet means for washing liquid for said tub, and control means to regulate the operation of said outlet means, said inlet means, and said power transmission means in a predetermined sequence.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Great Britain Nov. 16, 1937 

3. A LAUNDERETTE COMPRISING, TUB MEANS ADAPTED TO RECEIVE WASHING LIQUID, BASKET MEANS MOUNTED FOR ROTARY MOVEMENT WITHIN SAID TUB MEANS, VERTICALLY RECIPROCAL PLUNGER MEANS MOUNTED ON AND WITHIN SAID BASKET MEANS, SAID PLUNGER MEANS COVERING SUBSTANTIALLY THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF SAID BASKET MEANS, FIRST DRIVING MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID BASKET MEANS, SAID FIRST DRIVING MEANS HAVING A HOLLOW FIRST SHAFT VERTICALLY DISPOSED AND JOINED TO THE BOTTOM OF SAID BASKET MEANS AND ROTATABLY SUPPORTED BY SAID TUB MEANS, AND A FIRST GEAR FIXED TO THE BOTTOM OF SAID FIRST SHAFT, SECOND DRIVING MEANS FOR RECIPROCATING SAID PLUNGER MEANS, SAID SECOND DRIVING MEANS HAVING A VERTICALLY DISPOSED ROD JOINED TO SAID PLUNGER MEANS AND SLIDABLY SUPPORTED BY AND WITHIN SAID HOLLOW FIRST SHAFT, A THIRD HORIZONTALLY DISPOSED SHAFT, AND AN ECCENTRIC CAM MEANS AND A THIRD GEAR MOUNTED ON SAID THIRD SHAFT, MOTOR MEANS, TRANSMISSION MEANS ADAPTED TO SELECTIVELY TRANSMIT THE ENERGY OF SAID MOTOR MEANS TO EITHER OF SAID FIRST DRIVE MEANS OR SAID SECOND DRIVE MEANS, SAID TRANSMISSION MEANS HAVING A SECOND SHAFT SLIDABLY MOUNTED TO ASSUME A FIRST OR A SECOND POSITION, A GEAR ON SAID SECOND SHAFT ADAPTED TO SELECTIVELY ENGAGE SAID FIRST GEAR ON SAID FIRST SHAFT IN A FIRST POSITION OF SAID SECOND SHAFT, A SECOND GEAR ON SAID SECOND SHAFT ADAPTED TO SELECTIVELY ENGAGE THE THIRD GEAR MOUNTED ON SAID THIRD SHAFT IN A SECOND POSITION OF SAID SECOND SHAFT, AND A DRIVE MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTING SAID SECOND SHAFT TO SAID MOTOR MEANS IN BOTH FIRST AND SECOND POSITIONS OF SAID SECOND SHAFT, A HOUSING MEANS FOR ENCLOSING SAID FIRST AND SECOND DRIVE MEANS AND SAID TRANSMISSION MEANS, OUTLET MEANS FOR WASHING LIQUID FOR SAID TUB, INLET MEANS FOR WASHING LIQUID FOR SAID TUB, AND CONTROL MEANS TO REGULATE THE OPERATION OF SAID OUTLET MEANS, SAID INLET MEANS, AND SAID TRANSMISSION MEANS IN A PREDETERMINED SEQUENCE. 